Steve McClaren takes over reins at FC Twente, gets Champions League football

Steve McClaren has been named as the new coach of Eredivisie side FC Twente. He has agreed a two-year deal at the Enschede club and takes over from Fred Rutten, who has joined Bundesliga side Schalke. One of his first tasks will be to lead the club into the third Champions League qualifying round.

Steve McClaren:

“I am delighted that I have got the chance to become coach of FC Twente. I noted from the first meeting with chairman Joop Munsterman and other people at the club that they were very co-operative. It’s an exciting time for the club, they were very successful under Fred Rutten and I cannot wait to meet the players and technical staff and to get to work.

It’s a great challenge for me to be with FC Twente in the Eredivisie and Champions League and I think we can all start with a positive feeling for the new season. I would like to say to the fans, about whom I have heard a lot, that we will do everything we can to bring the club further success.

Sir Bobby Robson told me that this would be a nice challenge for me. He also told me that FC Twente is a fantastic club and that I would feel at home. I am excited to be working again at a club that fits me well. I am looking forward to this new challenge.”

For all that has been said and written about the man, it’s good to see that he’s taking the foreign plunge in an attempt to improve himself as a manager. I wish him and FC Twente success.